Last updated: 9/4/2019
557 Lincoln Street
Roseville, CA 95678
Tuesday - Friday
10 AM - 2 PM
Tuesday - Saturday
10 AM - 2 PM
Free. Donations of $3.00 per visitor are suggested.
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Lynda Raybould
phone: 916-773-3003
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We are a local history museum, focusing on City and regional history. We have special collections pertaining to railroads, music, and aircraft.
The Carnegie Museum is housed in Roseville's first permanent library. The building was constructed in 1912 with Lincoln-made brick and terra cotta from Gladding McBean, Rocklin-granite and Roseville-labor on land donated by A.B. McRae. This library, like many others built during the early part of the century, was funded in part by Andrew Carnegie. In 1979, Roseville moved its main library to a new location near Royer Park.
In addition to exhibits and information on the history of Roseville and the surrounding area, the Carnegie Museum offers a walking tour of historic old town Roseville based on a self guided tour created by the Roseville Chamber of Commerce Revitalization Committee for visitors, new residence to our area, and long-time inhabitants seeking a re-acquaintance with the past.
To preserve, protect,and promote the rich history of Roseville,Ca.
In the early 1980s the old Carnegie Library building in Roseville,Ca was potentially slated for a very different purpose and there was rumored discussion that the land the building stood upon was to be turned into a parking lot. But then, something extraordinary happened. During a meeting where the building’s fate was to be decided, a relative of the pioneer McRae family spoke to the group. It seemed, she said, that since the city was no longer going to use the land that her family donated for library purposes, that she would be expecting to take her land back. The McRae family had indeed donated the land with a caveat; the land, with the Carnegie Library built upon it, was to be used as a library in perpetuity.
The original deed was verified and the old building was saved. But it needed restoration and a purpose. The good citizens of Roseville banded together and formed “The Roseville Historical Society” with the purpose of preserving and protecting the history of Roseville. Together with the city, funds were raised for restoration and the venerable old building was once again a library but with the new focus of educating people about the history of Roseville. In effect, it became the “Carnegie Library Museum."
The museum collection includes items relating to local civic and business history. Special collections include an extensive model railroad exhibit depicting Roseville as it was in the past. This also includes artifacts such as a shrapnel from the time our train blew up. (Visit us to learn more!) historical military memorabilia, and musical entertainment modes like phonographs, player pianos, and radios.
In addition to artifacts exhibited we have an extensive collection of local publications for Roseville,Ca. The museum also houses historical photographs not found anywhere else. These collections are growing all the time as people trust us to preserve, protect and promote this special part of our local history.
We offer museum tours, archival research assistance,children's educational events and series,special exhibitions,speaking engagements and rotating exhibits. For more information about these programs please contact us.
Beautiful building that was built in 1912 as the first Roseville,Ca library. We have have exhibits on the first floor and meeting space on the lower level.
Access: General Public, Students, Scholars, Members
Appointment required: No
We have a gift shop onsite and we also provide tours at the museum and coming soon other historical sites in Roseville,Ca.
Gift Shop
Group Tours
Wheelchair Accessible
Parking
Restrooms
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